Back to Reality

Well all, the vacation (well, not for me) is over and it's time to return to normal life. Well, as normal as it can get over here. I had a great time with Alex and Kristyn visiting. It is something that I will never forget. Some great times were had as we traveled all over Perth; got attacked by birds, played with koalas, and danced the night away. In my last post I had talked up to the point where the girls had gone down to Margaret River, so that's where I'll pick it up again.

Tuesday: The girls arrived home while Jared, James and I were all at training. It was a beautiful day so instead of sitting around the house, the girls got a bit dressy and headed down the coast for a nice seafood dinner. Kristyn wanted crap cakes. I'm glad I wasn't around as I don't like seafood, so it worked out just fine.

Wednesday: Wednesday was a great day as I played a little hooky (don't worry, no work people have this address) and called in sick to work. It didn't take much convincing as my co-workers are practically all sick. So, instead of spending the day in front of the computer playing on Facebook...I mean working...the girls and I headed out to the Swan Valley to see the animals the the wineries/breweries. The first order of business was Caversham Wildlife Park where they had heaps of Australian animals, some American farm animals, and camels. Yes, camels. I think the best part of the adventure was petting the koalas or the girls on the camel ride. But, the best part of the trip for me was watching the girls freak out any time a large kangaroo got too close. I laughed non-stop the entire time were were in the paddock with them. But, then there was the joey (baby kangaroo) that we named Scar. He was nice and small so the girls had no fear petting him. The weather was beautiful and the Indian tourists were only slightly annoying, so it was a great time.

After we left the park were headed out into the valley to explore some of the local brew and wine. We stopped at a number of places including the Feral Brewery, Duckstein, 2 vineyards, and ended up eating "hot chips" at the Mash Brewery. Hot chips are an Australian favorite and I think the girls are hooked (all they are, are potato wedges dipped in sour cream and sweet chili sauce...yum yum). By the time our tour was over the girls were feeling very saucy and I was regretting being the DD. Nonetheless, we headed back home where the girls treated Jared, James and myself to a home made dinner, some Kilkenny beer, and some local wine. But, the night was still young as the girls wanted to hit the town and mingle with the locals. By this point is was nearly 10 pm, so we decided to go to a pub about 10 minutes away, but the girls had other plans as they refused to move after swearing before judge and jury that they would wake up from their 15 minute naps. Big mistake, so I guess the night was later than we thought. I'll never let them forget this one.

Thursday: Thursday was another "sick" day as the girls and I headed south to Rockingham for some Penguin adventures. The day started off as a beautiful morning but quickly became overcast with scattered showers, but we were undeterred as we pressed on. After a number of wrong turns, unmarked streets, and a nearly overheated car, we arrived at our destination; Penguin Island. The Island is only about 3/4 of a kilometer off the coast and is so close, that during low time a person can actually walk from the main land over to it. Pretty neat, but not recommended as a person would get swept away when the time came in. The Island was a great time as we saw Little Penguins get fed, massive flocks of birds, green skinks (a lizard), a woman with a massive hair-lip (that's sort of mean), crazy birds that would attack us as we walked on the path, and Kristyn scared to death and screaming running from the attacking birds as her pants were falling down. I don't blame her though as I did almost have a land on my head and peck me. Hahaha... What a day...

Friday: I actually went to work this day while the girls walked around the city and did some shopping. There is so many cool things to do down here that they spent nearly the entire day walking around, not sitting around eating hot chips and drinking beer as they said they would. We did meet for lunch at an Italian restaurant down the road and for hot chips after work, but nothing too crazy. The main event of the day was watching the Western Force play their rival the Brumbies in the last game of the season. Jared and James couldn't come as the last two tickets didn't work out, so it was just us three and Luke (Donna and Tracey sat in a different section). The game was outstanding as the Force, down 22-0 at half-time, rallied to win 22-29. Absolutely thrilling as the girls saw one of the best games of the season. Once the game was over were had a nice dinner at yet another Italian restaurant. The second time around it was just as delicious.

But,, despite the great day and awesome game, the funniest part of the day was after the game ended. Since I don't drive to work, the girls and I had to catch the train home. No worries as their is a train station 2 minutes from where we ate dinner, but too late as we had to wait 25 minutes with 4 piss drunk Australians walking around. No worries though as the train came, we headed into the main station to switch trains, avoided a fight (a drunk guy and girl on the train. he was trying to hide from her but she wouldn't have any of it), and finally got on the train North. So, sitting on the train heading North, Alex asks if Jared would come and pick us up. No worries; so i called and he doesn't answer. The phone was right next to him but he didn't hear it ring all 3 times. So, our only option is to walk, but stupid me gets off on the wrong stop. No worries though, as I thought it was closer to home. Dead wrong. But, as luck would have it the busses were still running and one bus line run within 3 blocks of my house. So like I kept saying...No Worries as I knew it would work out...

Saturday: Game which we lost. Very mad about. I played back up in the 2nds but still angry as we lost to a team we had beat in the pre-season. It just seems like the 2nd don't know how to win games. It was still a great day though as we had fun at the awards ceremony, went out to the Paddo drinking and dancing, and finally driving to the airport at 3:30 in the morning.

All in all, it was a great time. Every day was something new and exciting. But, it did make me miss everyone back home. I can't wait to see you all again. I think about you all a lot. Also, a huge thanks to Kristyn and Alex for visiting. It means a lot to me to have friends as great as you two.